Water is important to us. Without it, you’ll die of dehydration in three days. As mentioned in Prepping 101 (https://todaysurvey.life/lifehack/prepping-101%3C/a%3E%29 I recommend you store two gallons of water per person per day. You can’t just put water on a shelf and forget about it. It needs to be taken care of like all your other preps, or you run the risk of getting sick. Here are some handy tips to keep your water in good shape and doomsday ready.
- Never store it directly on concrete, as the plastic can absorb the chemicals from it.
- Filter and treat all found water before storing it.
- Never use milk jugs as they can not be clean properly. Fat from the milk can leave a residue on the lining which can affect the water.
- This is also why you shouldn’t use juice jugs because the sugars from them can leave a residue on the inside similar to fat from milk.
- When using a water-grade jug or barrel, make sure that you clean, sanitize, and dry it thoroughly before filling it so you don’t contaminate your treated water.
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place as sunlight will damage the contents and cause bacteria to grow.
- The expiration date on the bottle is not for the water itself, it’s for the plastic. Most bottled water companies line their bottles with a chemical called BPA which breaks down over time, contaminating the water inside of it. If you consume large amounts of BPA, this can lead to neurological problems.
- If the water tastes off, shift it between 2 bowls several times or shake the bottle vigorously. This adds air back into the water, improving the taste.
- Your body absorbs lukewarm water better than cold water. Therefore, when someone is dehydrating, it’s recommended you give them this.
- You should rotate the collected water every six months.
- Don’t store near chemicals as the plastic will absorb the fumes, contaminating it.
- Never stick your hand directly in potable (drinkable) water, as it will damage its integrity.
- Keep jugs, bottles, and barrels sealed until in use.
- Toss leaky storage containers because glues and tapes will just contaminate the water.
- Water goes fast in a crisis, so assign someone to monitor usage. They should also make sure that there is a proper amount for each person and that the water on hand is properly rotated.
- Never consume floodwater as it often contains sewage.
- Never use a container designed for non-food purposes. There is a reason it is designed to not hold food.
- You should keep three types of filters on hand: a large one for group use, a small one for individual use, and a homemade one in case those two break.
- I don’t recommend using those water purification tablets, as they have been known to make people sick.
- You don’t need to line your water barrels, the blue color is enough to prevent bacterial growth.
- Don’t stack barrels or jugs as this can cause a safety risk, and never store cases of water over five packs tall.
- When using the bleach method 16 drops of bleach is equaled to a fourth teaspoon.
- Also, you’re supposed to have a slight bleach smell when using this method. If you don’t add one more fourth teaspoon. If it smells too strong, then it’s ruined.
- When using the boiling method, make sure it is at a rolling boil before starting the one-minute timer.
- Adding a pinch of salt to the water just improves on flavor. It does nothing for storage.
- If the water smells disgusting or is from very a questionable source, don’t bother saving it. It’s not worth your family’s life. No matter how well you treat it, there’s a slim chance it’ll make you sick.
About the Creator
M.L. Lewis
Welcome to my little slice of pie. This blog will primarily focus on prepping and homesteading skills with a sprinkle of fiction every now and then.
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